Second Draft of My Mock Draft

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton QB Auburn
I have already said I don’t like this and think the Panthers should grab Peterson and be a little closer to stopping Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Josh Freeman. That being said, I believe the comparisons made between Russell and Newton are unfair. The major concern I have with Newton is the system he played for, I have no doubt about his raw ability. Newton’s upside is incredible and Carolina could do a lot worse at QB. With a solid oline and rush attack Carolina could be bring him along and have a decent year.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus DT Alabama
The only doubt I have about this pick is that John Fox spent years at Carolina and never drafted a defensive tackle. That being said, I don’t remember there having been a nearly as talented DT as Dareus. Denver should draft him and considerably ease their transition back to the 4-3.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller OLB Texas A&M
Barring Cam newton sliding, Miller appears to be going to Buffalo. Miller will solidify a front seven that is shaky at best. Miller was a stud in college and from what I heard about the senior bowl and combine, he has only reaffirmed this notion. If the Bills can get Miller and revive Shawne Merriman they could have a formidable pass rush…hopefully one that could put Tom Brady into the turf a few times.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green WR UGA
Previous Pick: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
Well, from everything that has been discussed this week AJ Green appears to be the Bengals man. For some reason the Bengals seem convinced that Palmer will come back. Why…I don’t know but they seem convinced or at least entrenched to not trading him. If the Bengals draft Green it frees them up to move Chad Ochocinco, which if a CBA was agreed upon before the draft would make an interesting trade storyline. Imagine trading Ocho and a combo the Bengals could move back into the first and nab a QB. Who knows. For the moment the Bengals take Green and give themselves a dynamic talent for whoever plays QB.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn OLB UNC
This is the first road bump in the mock draft. The Cardinals have a lot of holes one of which is QB. Blaine Gabbert is available, but I think Gabbert is going to fall much like Rodgers, Clausen, and Quinn. It is strangely quiet right now as far as Gabbert goes. Everybody just assumes he’ll be a top ten QB but nobody is saying he is THIS TEAMS GUY!!! A s far as why the cards pass on Gabbert QB is a problem for the Cards, but the truth is that Warner managed to paper over a lot of holes the Cards had. A rookie QB will not accomplish the same thing. Thus, the Cards need to address other pressing matters. Enter Quinn a dynamic pass rusher who under the tutelage of Joey Porter and Clark Haggans could become a terror of the NFC West.
6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones WR Alabama
Previous Pick: AJ Green WR UGA
This is a puzzling pick as well. Patrick Peterson is on the board and pairing him with Haden could be tempting. Tyron Smith could fill a void the Browns have on the right side of their offensive line. However I have the Browns taking Julio Jones. Last mock I said two wideouts will not go top ten and if AJ Green is not picked by the Bengals I believe that will hold true. However, the Browns are so desperate at wideout that they should draft Jones and give Mccoy a dynamic target and Hillis a powerful run blocker.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson CB LSU
Why won’t the 49ers draft Gabbert? I don’t think Harbaugh feels any pressure to draft a QB. In all honesty he seems content to use Frank Gore and the defense to get by in a lackluster division. Plus, it is one thing to talk about the possibility of bringing Alex Smith back, it is another thing to mention him as much as Harbaugh had. I think Harbaugh will give it a go at reviving Alex Smith’s career. Quite frankly, I think Smith has A LOT of talent, but it is not consistent…Moving on to the actual pick why not pick the drafts best player and solidify your secondary…its almost too easy.
8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri
Previous Pick: Nick Fairley DT Auburn
This is tough. Fairley is linked to the Titans in about every mock under the sun. However, if Gabbert passes by the Titans it will be a shocker. It is said Gabbert has great accuracy on short to medium range throws. Sounds a lot like Kerry Collins doesn’t it? Gabber could step in and dominate right away.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith OT USC
There are a lot of rumors surrounding Dallas on draft day. They could trade up or down if they wanted to. The Cowboys imploded last year under puppet leader Wade Phillips. With the rejuvenation experienced under Jason Garrett I think the Cowboys should have no problem getting back into playoff contention. To that end, without Tony Romo I see no way the Cowboys return. He needs to be protected and drafting Smith may help fix the hole left by Flozell’s departure…again THANK YOU DALLAS!
10. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker QB Washington
I am a proponent of the if you need a QB GO BIG OR GO HOME school of quarterback drafting. If Locker is the prototypical Shanahan passer then Draft him with the 10th overall. From what I have seen Locker’s mobility and heart make him a perfect fit for a Shanahan-Elway revival. Washington could do a lot worse than drafting Locker, especially if Quinn is not available. This could also happen if the Skins trade down. Either way I think it would be a mistake to pass on a QB of Locker’s skill after all he was rated as being better than Sam Bradford a year ago. If he can reclaim that ability 10th overall would be a steal.
11. Houston Texans: Aldon Smith OLB Missouri
I think the Texans should draft Prince with this pick…but as I understand it, Aldon Smith is higher on their draft board. The pick makes sense given the new 3-4 the Texans will implement and their need for a pass-rusher. Smith compares favorably with Demarcus Ware and if they are anywhere near accurate the Texans would be crazy to not draft Smith.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Fairley DT Auburn
Previous Pick: D’Quan Bowers DE Clemson
With the starcaps fiasco the Vikes could be without the Williams wall. Pat Williams is probably on the way out so drafting a replacement for him probably needs to be done sooner than later. Fairley was once considered a lock to go first overall, but a few issues have lowered his stock. It is no matter, the freak monster should definitely excel in the Minnesota line that prides itself on being the defenses backbone. Fairley could fill a short term need and a long term need thus making it very unlikely he will fall beyond the Vikes.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamura CB Nebraska
The artist formerly known as Prince is finally off the board. Talent of his caliber is too good to pass up at this stage. I would invest in a tackle to protect your investment in Stafford, but hey…that’s what trading back into the first is about right? For now they draft Prince in an effort to stop Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler.
14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liguet DT Illinois
Previous Pick: Julio Jones WR Alabama
The Rams made the right choice picking Sam Bradford last year. They would like to give him a dynamic target but Cleveland had no intentions of allowing that to happen. It doesn’t matter. Mcdaniels can make any wide receiver look great. Randy Moss, Brandon Marshall, and Brandon Llyod all dominated in their year with Mcdaniels. I trust that he can make Clayton or a free agent asset dominate. To that end I hear Liguet is high on Spags draft board. In lieu of a wide receiver the Rams sup up their defensive line.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey G Florida
Previous Pick: Ryan Mallett QB Miami
I see Pouncey linked to the Dolphins and with good reason. Although a reach at 15, they have issues on the interior offensive line. I like Mallet. He is my third favorite QB in this class behind Locker and Kaepernick. However a coach on the hot seat should never tie their fate to a rookie QB. Sign a free agent merc and save yourself the trouble of rookie growing pains. Pouncey is a safe pick that will not get you fired.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue
The Jags strength used to be their defensive line. Drafting Alualu, although a reach, certainly paid off. The Jags are a dynamic defensive end away from having a formidable line again. To that end, Kerrigan and his constant motor would be a welcome addition to the Jaguars.
17. New England Patriots: JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
Previous Pick: Cameron Jordan DE Cal
I am putting JJ Watt to the Pats mainly because I feel the Patriots have a lot of room to move in the draft. JJ Watt has floating value that is sometimes as high as ninth overall or even lower than this pick. Subsequently I see JJ Watt’s coming to New England in many different scenarios. In another way I think the Pats make the move to dispel a rumor they don’t deal with a particular agent. It is tough to be completely indiscernible if something like that is floating around.
18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan DE Cal
Previous Pick: JJ Watt DE Wisconsin
Cameron Jordan in many circles is thought to be the best 3-4 DE in the draft. The Chargers are in desperate need to establish talent along their defensive line. Drafting Jordan should go a long way towards reinforcing San Diego’s ability to pass-rush and stop the run.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College
The Giants turned to band-aid Shawn Andrews to fix their issues along the offensive line, but the time of bandaids is over. The Giants need to draft their left tackle of the future and Castonzo grades out favorably in this capacity. As the best offensive lineman available I think he is atop the Giants board at this point.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D’Quan Bowers DE Clemson
Previous Pick: Justin Houston DE UGA
Tampa Bay has absolutely no problem taking a risk on a player as dynamic as Bowers. At one time a potential #1 overall pick, Tampa Bay could land the steal of the draft and give themselves a defensive line capable of putting Drew Brees and Matt Ryan to the ground.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
Previous Pick: Phil Taylor NT Baylor
Apparently the medical report on Phil Taylor’s foot has been denied. Even still it will cause teams to hesitate. Taylor’s value was inflated to begin with being the lone nose tackle with a first round grade. From what I saw in their playoff game the Chiefs had no problem putting Flacco to the ground, they had a problem keeping pressure off of Matt Cassel and he turned it over like room service. The Chiefs could draft Carimi and shore up their line…a wide receiver besides Dwayne Bowe would be good, but there is not one with solid value here.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder OT Colorado
Solder is not the best tackle available, but he has great upside. I have been burned by giving the Colts the best available at the position so now I am giving them Solder. Solder will fit right in with Indy’s most pressing need, keeping Peyton manning upright. It’s tough for him to put the Colts on his back when he is on the turf.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
Previous Pick: Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin
I have difficulty making this pick. The Eagles definitely need a corner, but a rookie? I think Derek Sherrod is more along their speed, but the Eagles appear to be happy waiting until the second round to address the right side of their line, especially if they can land Nova prospect Ijilana. For now I have them drafting the talented Smith.
24. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State
Previous Pick: Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA
I hear that Cameron Heyward is high on the Saints draft board. A defensive end was a serious need for the Saints last year. Adding a workhorse like Heyward would help the Saints continue Gregg Williams’ tradition of smashing QB’s into the turf. He also is a phenomenal run-stopper who could fill in the void the Saints have at linebacker.
25. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas
Previous Pick: Jimmy Smith CB Colorado
Ryan Mallett is going to be a successful QB in the NFL. After watching him on numerous occasions at Arkansas I know he can make every throw an NFL QB needs to. His character concerns have caused him to drop, but I do not see falling past the Seahawks. Pete Carroll does not have problems with character issues and will jump all over having a rocket arm QB who can air it out to Seattle’s surprisingly promising wide receiver corp.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Muhammed Wilkerson DE/DT Temple
All I hear from the Ravens is how much they want a 3-4 DE. Wilkerson is the best available so I have him here for the moment. However, if Wilkerson is gone…I heard Cameron Heyward is high on their radar
27. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Houston DE/OLB UGA
The Falcons can thank D’Quan Bowers’ knee for this one. I feel Houston is going to be a beast of a pass rusher, an area the Falcons need to upgrade. If the Falcons draft Houston they can finally fix Bobby Petrino’s mistake of drafting Jamal Anderson.
28. Oakland Raiders: Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada
Previous Pick: New England Mike Pouncey G Florida
Kaepernick is coming to New York which means some team tipped their hand to the NFL and wants the kid there. The only rumor mill info I have is that an AFC West team was enamoured with Kaepernick and had him rated as their number one QB. Looking at that division, Philip Rivers, Matt Cassell, and Orton/Tebow are presumably safe…at least from drafting a first round QB. The Raiders however, despite going undefeated in the division did not place in the playoffs. The lackluster Jason Campbell may be a favorite of Al Davis, but we all know Davis loves speed and strong armed QB’s. Al Davis could easily trade into the first with New England an irony considering New England has Oakland’s first round from the Richard Seymour trade.
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod OT Miss State
The Bears GM recently stated that he graded Derek Sherrod as a second round talent. I smell smokecreen. Subsequently I cannot see the Bears passing on a quality tackle given all of the offensive line issues they have had. That being said they have also been heavily linked to North Carolina DT marvin Austin. For the moment I feel tackle is more important for the bears.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor NT Baylor
Previous Pick: Stephen Pea DE Oregon State
Phil Taylor’s foot issue will probably scare off the Chiefs. If the Chiefs do not draft him I think the Jets will take a chance. Kris Jenkins constantly gets injured and leaves a void up front. The Jets could look to Akeem Ayers, but I think their defensive line is a more pressing matter.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia
This is a tough pick. If Phil Taylor falls we may look to draft him, but I do not know how enthused I would be with that. Nosetackles only play for two downs. Hence Casey Hampton, still playing at a pro bowl caliber, still has a good three years left. I do not think that drafting a replacement is a priority at this stage. If the Bears are not smokescreening and Derek Sherrod falls, he may be an intriguing prospect, but the Steelers have invited a lot of second and third round offensive lineman. I think they will wait and try to draft mammoth Alabama tackle James Carpenter.
I believe the Steelers will look to address their secondary early in the draft. They may trade this pick down to let one of the QB needy teams trade up, but if they stay home I say they go corner. Most people have them taking Aaron Williams, but from what I have heard the Steelers have had enough Texas players for the moment after Tony Hills and Limas Sweed. So the alternative is Ras-I Dowling.
The big problem with him is his injury. Before his Senior Season he was considered a lock for the first round and with good reason. The guys a beast in coverage and can hit like a Mack truck. I also hear he is a strong character guy, one coach going as far as saying he is the type of guy you would be proud to call your son and the guy you dream your daughter brings home.
1. Elite Talent
2. Excellent run stopper
3. Lessened value from injury
4. Good Character
The Steelers take to guys like this like a moth to flame. I would have no problem with him at 31.
32. Green Bay Packers: Brooks Reed OLB Arizona
The Pack have very few weaknesses. The only hole I can find on the team is no dynamic pass rusher opposite Matthews. The few games the Pack lost were games where Matthews was hurt. As I understand it Brooks Reed is rising on boards and so for the moment I have the Pack taking him in an effort to make a strong pass rush even stronger.